1) Cherry ML mechanical function keys
Original Advantage: Mushy rubber function keys. Advantage2: You asked for it and we delivered. The function key row now features low-force Cherry ML mechanical key switches that offer a satisying, tactile key press plus unmatched reliability and durability.
2) Whopping 2 MB of onboard memory
Original Advantage: 2 KB of onboard memory (Advantage Pro had 4 KB). Advantage2: The Advantage2 has 2 MB of memory, as in megabytes, which is 1000x more memory than the standard Advantage. Now you have an enormous amount of space to record macros and build custom layouts.
3) Heavy duty macros & increased capacity
Original Advantage: Up to 48 “short” macros (28 characters or less) or 24 “long” macros (58 characters or less) Advantage2: Each custom layout built with the SmartSet engine can now support 100+ “heavy-duty” macros of more than 200+ characters in each. SmartSet allows you to create even more powerful macros through the direct editing process. Insert delays into macro playback of either 125ms or 500ms, or trigger different actions on the press and release of a given macro trigger.
4) View and edit layouts
Original Advantage: When you remapped a key or recorded a macro you had no easy way to track you changes or perform any updates. Advantage2: With SmartSet, all layouts are saved and stored as basic .txt files which can be opened with any text editing program on any operating systems. Open the text file and directly edit your remaps or macros. Even insert new actions using many standard USB hex codes.
5) Share and backup layouts
Original Advantage: There was no way to share or backup layouts. You had to keep a separate crib sheet if you ever wanted to rebuild your custom layout. Advantage2: Each layout is stored as a basic text file making them easy to save, backup or even share with a friend. The days of rebuilding your custom layout from scratch are over.
6) Status Report
Original Advantage: It was easy to forget which layout was active, which thumb key mode you were in and other keyboard settings. Advantage2: Thanks to the new Status Report feature, you can quickly “print-to-screen” a Status Report showing you basic information about the active layout include the number of key remaps and macros, and your thumb key mode.
7) Adjust macro playback speed
Original Advantage: All macros played back at one speed. Advantage2: Choose from 9 different macro playback speeds. Set the playback speed globally for all macros or set it individually for a specific macro to optimize performance. Slow playback down to 4.2 characters per second (“CPS”), or speed it up to a blazing fast 250 CPS- equivalent to typing 3,000 words per minute!
8) Hotkey layouts
Original Advantage: Only supported one custom layout. Advantage2: With the Advantage2, you can now create dozens of custom hotkey layouts for either QWERTY or Dvorak and access them with a simple 2-key combination: Program + the assigned hotkey.
9) Native Dvorak
Original Advantage: When you switched out of Dvorak you lost your settings. When you remapped keys in your Dvorak layout you did so in QWERTY. Advantage2: Dvorak is no longer a second-class citizen. Dvorak users get all the same functionality as QWERTY users, and each custom Dvorak layout is saved to the keyboard so it’s easy to move back-and-forth or share your keyboard. And when you’re remapping in Dvorak, you no longer have to translate from QWERTY.
10) Easy firmware upgrades
Original Advantage: Firmware was not upgradable. Advantage2: When you invest in an expensive keyboard, you expect it to last. Thanks to the SmartSet engine you can upgrade the firmware when new versions become available. Firmware updates take only seconds and don’t require opening up the keyboard or downloading a scary executable file (.exe) from the internet.
11) Kinesis Blue Home Row
Advantage2 features a more vibrant, modern home row accented in Kinesis Blue.